48 hours in Manchester for a football fan

Home to the most successful English club in history (Manchester United), the current Premier League champions (Manchester City), and the National Football Museum, Manchester is a must-visit for football fans of all descriptions.

With so much to do in the city, you can enjoy a great football-related weekend, even if you don’t manage to get a ticket to a match.

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The day of the game

After arriving in Manchester, you’re going to want to fuel up for the day ahead. Mackie Mayor is a food court with a unique atmosphere, offering a variety of food vendors under one roof. Open from 9am every morning, it’s the ideal place to get your Manchester adventure started.

Watching the game

If you can’t get into Old Trafford or the Etihad on match day, you don’t have to miss the football completely. Manchester has a number of bars and pubs that screen Premier League games live, giving you plenty of options to catch the action.

Found right in the heart of the city centre, Manchester235 houses several bars, but when the football is on, you’ll want to head straight for the Carlsberg Sports Bar. Built for the World Cup, this venue has been made with sports in mind and features a 70ft screen – ideal for the big game.

As the name suggests, Cafe Football was built by football lovers for football lovers. Manchester has two Cafe Football locations and both are next door to major football attractions – Old Trafford and the National Football Museum. This is the ideal place to catch the football if you’re coming from or going to either of these iconic destinations.

If you’re a Manchester United fan, this is the place to be before a home game. Recently refurbished, the Trafford is found just across the road from Old Trafford, and has been a key part of many United fans pre-match plans for years. The atmosphere is always buzzing on match day, so if this is your chosen destination, expect it to be busy!

After the game

The game may be over, but that doesn’t mean your day is. Manchester has plenty to see and do in the evenings, from world class theatre shows to buzzing clubs and bars.

If you’re looking for something completely unique, take a trip to Manchester’s world famous Comedy Store. This iconic comedy venue has been delivering fun, food and laughs since 2000, creating a night out you will never forget.

Vero Moderno serves classic Italian dishes with a modern, contemporary twist. All ingredients are hand-picked by the restaurant from independent Italian producers, ensuring every meal is fresh and delicious.

No football-themed trip to Manchester is complete without a stay in Hotel Football. Owned by Manchester United legends including Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, Hotel Football is subtly designed to celebrate the beautiful game while ensuring all visitors enjoy a great night sleep. There’s even a football pitch on the roof!

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The second day

Both Old Trafford and the Etihad offer stadium tours, allowing you to go behind the scenes and walk in the footsteps of legendary players. You’ll get to see the dressing rooms, stand pitchside, and see the press rooms where managers make statements to the global press. Afterwards, check out the on-site megastores for souvenirs!

Stuffed with exhibits and interactive displays, the National Football Museum celebrates the history of the beautiful game all year round. Entry is free, but be wary that the museum shuts at 5pm every day; don’t arrive too late!

Bright, bold and very colourful, MyLahore serves food of the highest quality from across the globe. From curries to BBQ, there’s something for everyone on the MyLahore menu, ensuring everybody comes away happy and full.